Leopard’s Rock (2234m)

Leopard’s rock is another small view point towards Nuwera Eliya town, situated at Piduruthalagala range. People have seen a Leopard frequently visits the place to spend the time, naming the place as Leopard’s Rock.
I was planning to visit the place after reading Lakdasun trip report on Leopard’s Rock. Shashi who is my contactable person in Nuwera Eliya also not been there. Luckily Upul Nandana who was the writer of the report lives in Nuwera Eliya these days. He liked to accompany us to Leopard’s Rock.
This was a part of two days trip to Nuwera Eliya. We have spent a hard day at Chariot’s path and nearby mountain in previous day. Overnight spend at Nuwera Eliya was not bad as cold was not that much though we expected. Upul has joined with four of us in the morning and we had breakfast together. Then we walked from Nuwera Eliya town towards Jetwing Andrew Hotel. Pasindu has joined with us here and he had a sound knowledge about the area. We have followed the road closer to Andrew’s hotel (Andrew’s Drive) and entered the forest.

Leopard’s Rock in Google map

Residents of Nuwera Eliya: Shashi, Upul and Pasindu

Nuwera Eliya town was seen when we ascend. Hakgala pops up behind the town

Wind castle hotel in white and Golden Ridge hotel is above it.

Familiar Hills: Hakgala, Hortain plains, Conical Hills and Single tree…

There was a clear path inside the forest. But one can mislead the correct path as there are a lot in different directions. Under growth vegetation consists on Nelu and Bamboo bushes. It seems nearby people frequently visits this area to collect firewood. The foot path gradually ascend and we entered an area with ample of mosses on tree.

Get into the wild… Note the clear foot path

Shashi and Upul….

Foot path…

Mushroom

Mountainous forest

Under tree canopy

Dry Nelu…..

Fairly flat terrain…

A lot of curvatures

Mosses

Nelu….

Busy with snaps…

Close up….

The area with overgrown and hanging mosses-“Pasi” on trees had added some beauty to our pictures. We spent much time to get snaps here. There was a small cave but not spacious to spend the night. Humidity of the area is satisfactory for growth of mosses.

The area of mosses

The area of mosses

The area of mosses

Group photo….. Pasindu (left), Isuru, Kasun, Shashi and Upul (right)

.	Under mosses

Overgrown mosses…..

Lost in beauty…..

Wow….

Jurassic Park world….

Macro….

Decorated…..

Green background….

Wow….

The cave…but not enough to stay

The path surrounded by Nelu….

Last ascend….

Here the foot path is closer to the rock and winds around it….

After the last ascend of the path we have come out of the forest. Nuwera Eliya town and surrounding were clearly visible above bushes. The foot path ends at nice flat rock where whole area is visible. This is so called rock where Leopard was used to come and sleep.
Let me list the mountains and places were visible to the Leopard’s rock: Hakgala with it’s dual peaks, Gregory Lake, Nuwera Eliya town, Hills at Hortain plains, Ambewela wind mills, Conical Hills, Single Tree Hills, Kikiliyamana with towers and Nuwera Eliya-Kandy road. Rest of Piduruthalagala forest reserve was appeared behind us.

Photographers in action on so called Leopard’s rock

Towards Kikiliyamana and Shanti Pura

The edge….

A5 road is entering to Nuwera Eliya town. Wind Castle hotel and Golden Ridge Hotel

The classic picture seen to Leopard’s Rock

Gregory Lake, Nuwera Eliya town and Race course

Gregory Lake, Hakgala, Hortain plains (covered with clouds). Ambewela wind mills also seen

Nuwera Eliya Town. Bus stand and post office are clearly seen

Twin peaks of Hakgala

Hortain Plains covered with clouds….

Single tree hills with towers. Conical Hills is situated behind Single Tree Hill

Single Tree Hill

Nuwera Eliya town over Piduruthalagala forest reserve

Kuda Oya area

Rest of Piduruthalagala Forest Reserve

Winding A5 road

The area we passed…

Forest top

Bushes on top….

The team on top of Leopard’s Rock

We were on top of Leopard’s Rock

Bird’s Eye view….

Mist is coming up…..

Scenery is covering

It was the time to move down as mist was covering the surround. We were rushed in return journey to find a shelter before rain. But rain clouds were faster than us to make rain before we reached the trail head. It ends the short hike to Leopard’s rock.

Leaves

.

The path is covered with mist

Good bye Leopard’s Rock.

Thanks for reading